HC Deb 04 April 1928 vol 215 cc1943-4
26. Sir R. THOMAS

asked the Minister of Health what is the yearly rate of contribution per head among persons insured under the National Health Insurance Act towards the cost of mileage and drugs in England and in Wales, respectively?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

There is no provision for a specific contribution per head among insured persons towards the cost of mileage and drugs. The National Health Insurance Act, 1926, provides for an inclusive sum, not exceeding 13s. a year per insured person, to be applied for the purpose of meeting the cost of medical benefit, the administration expenses of insurance committees, and any expenses incurred by the Minister in connection with the administration of benefits. The amount available out of the 13s. for meeting the cost of mileage and drugs together is 3s. 3d. per insured person in each country. As, however, the total expenditure on mileage and drugs in Wales exceeds the amount available, the Act authorises payment out of the National Health Insurance Fund (England) to the Welsh National Health Insurance Fund for the purpose of meeting the excess expenditure.

27. Sir R. THOMAS

asked the Minister of Health whether there exist distribution committees for the purpose of dividing between England and Wales the sums available to defray the cost of medical benefit and of drugs; and whether the Association of Welsh Insurance Committees nominates one person to represent it on each of such committees?

Sir K. WOOD

There are Medical and Pharmaceutical Distribution Committees charged with the apportionment among Insurance Committees of the sums available to defray the cost of medical treatment and drugs in England and Wales. There are Welsh representatives on both committees, but it has never been considered necessary that the Association of Welsh Insurance Committees should be represented as such on either committee.

Sir R. THOMAS

Why is it not considered necessary?

Sir K. WOOD

There are Welsh representatives on the committee in another capacity.

Sir R. THOMAS

In what capacity?

Sir K. WOOD

Representing Wales.